“The man who thinks he is safe…”
3rd Sunday of Lent,
Cobh
23 March 2025
My friends,
“The man who thinks he is safe must be careful that he does not fall.” 1 Cor 10:12
So concludes Pauls words in our 2nd Reading. There’s a difference between arrogance and confidence. In any walk of life or in any dimension of life if we approach people and issues with a haughty arrogance, our comeuppance awaits us. Sadly, we are witnessing the fruit of that kind of self-indulgent boastfulness in the various conflicts that are increasingly threatening the stability and peace of so many. Our prayer for the world at this time is for peacemakers – men and women who are both wise and humble to lead the process of peace.
The figure of Moses features prominently in today’s Readings in two distinct elements. Firstly, his encounter with God in the burning bush. Through it he experienced an enlightenment - as he sought to approach the burning bush he was invited to come no nearer and take off his shoes – for he was on holy ground.
The second element emerges from that encounter as he was sent on a mission of liberty – already with an answer for those who should ask who sent you – “I am” has sent me.
That profound experience of the transcendent God who cares for his people empowers Moses to be an instrument of God – confident yet humble. Moses call to the people was God’s call to observe the commands for right living with which he gifted them. Despite all their blessings they still grumbled – and so it has ever been. We are so easily distracted from essential values and intentions. In our relentless pursuit of personal licence, we make it difficult for one another to exercise the personal restraint needed for the abundance of life the Lord promises.
The good news is the Lord never gives up on anyone. The fig tree in the Gospel is slow in bearing any fruit yet the gardener pleads its cause – give it another chance. We’ll dig around it and manure it and God knows it may deliver then.
The Lenten journey is a condensed time to do the same for ourselves. No matter our stage in life there are dimensions that are not fruitful. The Lenten invitation is to stay with whatever you’ve chosen by way of renewal – and seek the Lord anew for,
“It is he who forgives all your guilt
who heals every one of your ills,
who redeems your life from the grave
who crowns you with love and compassion.”
Psalm 102:3
